Sixteen South’s TV adaptation of Alex T. Smith’s bestselling picture book series, Claude, has been snapped up by Disney Junior for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia/New Zealand.

Currently in production, the 52 x 11-minute series is the BAFTA-winning and Emmy-nominated prodco’s sixth major kids project, following hits such as Lily’s Driftwood Bay and Pajanimals. Claude‘s broadcast premiere is expected in 2017.

The series follows the adventures of the books’ popular beret-wearing canine, Claude, his trusty sidekick Sir Bobblysock, and other quirky characters like dance teacherMiss Highkick-Spin and hairdresser Belinda Hintova-Tint.

Sixteen South’s Colin Williams and Michelle Forde led development on the project, which was a Cartoon Forum selection in 2014. Williams is producing, with Tim Harper directing and Mark Gordon providing music.

To date, the Hachette Children’s Group-published books have been translated into 16 languages and secured distribution in five continents.

American Greetings Properties is the series’ global distributor, led by Karen Vermeulen who joined AGP from Zodiak just over a year ago.